A coalition of some 30 groups, ranging from the American Hospital Association and America's Health Insurance Plans to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Medical Association, has banded together to ask Congress in a letter to focus on keeping Americans covered for health care.

In no uncertain terms, Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer of the Chamber, said in a statement, "There are many items that we'd like to see Congress focus on in future legislation, and maintaining health benefits and increasing coverage options need to be top priorities in order to continue supporting individuals, families and employers. Our letter outlines several important legislative proposals that Congress should advance to ensure the American people have access to affordable health coverage."

A Fierce Healthcare report points out that not just the trade group signatories on the letter but also the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (also a signatory) have suggested offering subsidies to employers and covering the cost of COBRA benefits for people who have lost their jobs.

Additional suggestions made to Congress in the letter include the expanded use of health savings accounts; a special enrollment period for health insurance marketplaces; and increased eligibility and federal financial assistance subsidies to buy coverage in the health insurance marketplaces.

Rick Pollack, president of AHA, noted that that a spike in the number of uninsureds could lead to long-term issues as people defer potentially necessary care—something already happening as elective procedures and acute care needs are being postponed. In addition, many people aren't seeking care for the coronavirus, fearing the bills that will follow as doubt plagues guidance from the White House on whether or not coronavirus costs will be covered.

The letter also emphasized to Congress that fast action is needed because of large numbers of people dropping out of employer coverage—something that's straining both state Medicaid programs and the individual market.

Related:

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Health care industry leaders ask Congress for coverage reforms

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